A New York court orders Wayfarer Studios to pay The New York Times more than $171,000 after dismissing the studio’s defamation lawsuit, according to multiple reports. The ruling follows Wayfarer Studios’ attempt to challenge coverage by the newspaper related to allegations involving Blake Lively, including claims described as a sexual harassment matter and a “smear campaign” allegation. In granting summary judgment, the judge finds that The New York Times’ reporting addresses matters of public interest and is protected under New York’s anti-SLAPP framework, which is designed to curb lawsuits aimed at suppressing speech.
Before the payment order, the defamation case was dismissed. After dismissal, the court proceeds to award damages to the newspaper, reflecting the legal outcome under the anti-SLAPP statute. The decisions cited by outlets focus on the newspaper’s investigative reporting and its public-interest context rather than the merits of Wayfarer Studios’ claims. The reports describe the payment figure as $171,000 and characterize the case as tied to the earlier rejection of the studio’s defamation complaint.
